By: Rich Fisher
The Cranbury School boys soccer team bounced back from an opening-day loss to the Kreps School and, this past week displayed the potential coach Frank Silva spoke about after the setback.
"The boys came back well after that loss, but I knew they would," Silva said. "The win over Immaculate was nice, but it was even better beating Millstone, because it makes us 1-0 in the conference."
The Vikings beat Immaculate, 7-1, as Tommy Sorrentino exploded for two goals and two assists. Conor Finn and Matt Keele each had a goal and an assist, Tim McDonnell, Steven Hellstern and Mike Brennan had one goal each and John Marsh pocketed two assists.
Then came a 3-2 victory over Millstone. Goals were scored by Marsh, Keele and Steven Jacobi, while Sorrentino had two assists and Keele added one.
GIRLS SOCCER
The Vikings are off to a 1-2 start under first-year coach Meredith Montenare, having taken a 1-0 win over Immaculate and dropping a 2-0 decision to Millstone this past week.
Carly O’Brien scored the winning goal in the win over Immaculate.
"There are a few returning players that have been a positive influence," Montenare said. "Center-midfielder Amanda Chen has shown tremendous ball control over the past few games. And, Felicia Wang, a new player, has been a dominating force in goal. Her punting ability is terrific. She is capable of punting the ball beyond midfield."
On Wednesday, the Viking girls bounced back with a 3-0 victory over MacFarland.
"They played an unbelievable game," Montenare said. "A few changes were made in the lineup that proved successful. Carly O’Brien was moved to sweeper and Sarah DiLella was moved to center-forward."
The move paid immediate dividends, as DiLella scored two goals, one on an assist by Brittany Lundquist. The third goal came from Lexi Stasi, who scored the Vikes first left-footed goal of the season.
"Lexi Stasi had a terrific game up front," Montenare said. "And again, Amanda Chen was a dominating force in center-midfield. She managed to ward off their offense with her quick skills and good judgment."
The coach also had praise for Hailey Andres.
"She battled well, playing defense and midfield," Montenare said. "Andres is a hard-working athlete who always gets the job done."
Others who were cited for their strong showering were Sammie Sicherman, Chase Sands on defense and Jenna Petrucelli on offense.
Rounding out the Vikings varsity roster are Katie DiLella, Brianna Lundquist, Stephanie Miezen, Kelly Orcutt, Corey Henderson, Erica Howard, Rachel Bozich, Yasmine Swanson, Jen Conover and Joanna Casey.
As for the JV, it fell 2-0 to Milltown, but came back for a 3-0 win over MacFarland on Wednesday.
Logan O’Meara scored off a feed from Mackenzie Henderson 6:07 into the first half, and the two played role reversal 3:47 later when Henderson tallied off an assist from O’Meara.
Changing things up a bit at the 14:30 mark, O’Meara tallied off an assist from Veronica Spann.
According to coach Cathy Elliott, both Jen Barone and Spann did an outstanding job in goal, combining for 11 saves.
